Gearing up for second season / Northwestern improves to 16-2

Mark Hazelwood Published: October 11, 2006 12:00 AM

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By MARK HAZELWOODT-G Sports WriterWEST SALEM With league title hopes now out of the picture, its tune-up time for Northwestern volleyball.The Huskies were pushed to the limit in all three games, but were able to come out on top for a clean sweep over Waynedale Tuesday in Wayne County Athletic League action, 25-22, 27-25, 25-21.The win improved Northwestern to 16-2 overall and 11-2 in the WCAL.Obviously we are playing for that second season right now, Northwestern coach Veronica Briggs said. Going in, were trying to fine-tune and find things that we do well and do them even better. Blocking has been our biggest focus, and the last couple of games it has made a difference.In the first game, Northwestern took control early behind the powerful hitting of middle and opposite hitters Kara Koch and Tarah Spotts. Another hitter, Melissa Ogden, gave the Huskies a commanding 15-8 lead off of a kill, but Waynedale was able to fight its way back in it with a 10-3 scoring run to tie the game at 18.It could have been more for the Golden Bears (15-6), but three serve attempts were unable to get over the net, giving three critical points back to Northwestern. The Huskies rallied to go up 21-18, again only to see Waynedale play through it and tie the score at 22. But two thunderous kills by Koch and one by Spotts ended the game with a 25-22 win.In game two, the Huskies again took command early only to watch the Bears rally. After an ace by Spotts put her team up 19-12, Waynedale trimmed that deficit to 21-20. Three kills by the Huskies was again the answer, with Kristen Warner getting a pair and Ogden added another to give Northwestern a 24-21 lead serving game point. But the ensuing serve hit the net to make it 24-22, and opened the door for another Waynedale rally.The Bears used the momentum change to score three straight points to take a 25-24 lead and serving game point, but Ogden came up with a huge block at the net to tie the game at 25 and give possession back to the Huskies. That in turn was able to give Northwestern the option of setting for Koch, and she delivered with two kills to seal the win.Briggs talked about her decision to not call any timeouts during the Waynedale rallies during the first two games.They are a very capable and competent group, she said. They know what they need to do. I try to use timeouts sparingly in showing the girls they have my confidence and that they know they can pull out of it and turn it around.In the second game, it was a matter of just doing it. Any girl out there at any one point or time is able to get the job done. So just find the one and go do it. They do a very good job at that.Waynedale charged out of the gates for a 5-1 lead in the third game with their backs against the wall, but the Huskies eventually tied the game at 10. The Bears at first appeared to have the timing down on Kochs powerful hitting, but eventually the sophomore was able to wear down their defense as the Huskies took a 20-16 lead. Waynedale was able to rally again, but drew no closer than 22-20 before falling 25-21.Its always fun playing Waynedale, Briggs said. Every time they come in we know we are having a good match, no different than the first meeting over there with almost identical scores. Its good ending up the year playing those kind of matches to get us ready for the postseason.Koch had 16 kills, 12 digs, with nine service points and two aces to lead the Huskies. Warner added 13 digs and 11 kills, while Spotts had 12 digs and Ogden served eight points. Jenessa Rice had 32 assists from the setter position.Northwestern has a trip to Rittman Thursday and plays host to Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary Saturday to close out the regular season. The Huskies then will open up tournament play Tuesday with a third meeting against WCAL foe Hillsdale.A possible rematch with No. 4 ranked Smithville (20-0) in the districts looms if the Huskies can win their first three tournament games. The Smithies are the only team to beat Northwestern this season.n Contact Mark Hazelwood, sports writer, at 419-281-0581, ext. 255, or mhazelwood@times-gazette.com.